Well trying not to get too excited but the first episode for me was awesome.
First, the housekeeping. Animation was very vivid. It has been awhile since I have seen Neo-Tokyo or atleast Tokyo 1.5. Conjured images of Ghost in the Shell for me. I liked the OP, it felt appropriate for the not so quite but almost cyber punk setting.
For the actual setting and plot, it is like the love child between Minority Reports and Judge Dredd (comics not Stallone version) with a splash of Gantz for good measure.
I love the arbitrary nature of the psycho pass. To be honest, the idea of a psycho pass is a fallacy. Just like this criminal here, it would probably provoke people to commit crimes. It seems once you are judged you might as well let loose and commit a crime or become an enforcer. Either way you are pretty much screwed. Also, since your psycho pass can increase, it has the auxiliary function of brainwashing the masses. At all time you must walk around trying not think negative/criminal thoughts. Impressing upon people conformity without even trying.
Honestly, I feel the show is brimming with possibilities. After seeing what was happening to the hostage I thought, well if that happened to me I would probably become a psycho as well and the episode completely went there. Such a refreshing direction.
As for characters, the jury is still out because everyone acts as just a function of society. I was a little annoyed at Akane with her noobish ways but then I realise she is really important because she is the only one who acts like a human being. Maybe after a few more days she will also become just a functionary.
Last point. I really appreciated the flash forward because it signals to me straight away that the producers really want to push the envelope out and bring old school anime up to a modern standard of storytelling, which is what I have been looking for.
Anyway, thank god I find this show interesting because otherwise I would not be picking up any new series this season. I will stop gushing now.